Hi All,

I'm new here...it's been a while since I've owned a Jag and can no longer cope - I've started to look around at various models/ages in the used car market and was hoping for some advice.

As a newbie to this forum I made sure I scouted around and looked for any forums with the information I'm after. I couldn't find anything, but if it's anything like my experience in major department stores, what I'm looking for is usually right next to the person I ask...anyway...

I'm looking at purchasing a used XJR between 1999-2002. I will obviously follow some basic common sense processes like getting the car inspected by a Jag mechanic, check the car's past history - but before getting that involved in looking at a car are there any basic questions I should be asking about XJR's during these years?

If someone can direct me to a post or offer some key points that would be great :-)

Most of them that I've seen for sale have between 150-200km (90-120m)

Regards,
Troy.

 

Limit your consideration to 2002-2003 models. They solved a lot of engine lining issues, electrical, timing chains.. etc etc...

Check for antifreeze smell, check subframe bushings by letting the car roll slowly and hit the brakes hard with the hood open(if the engine lunges upwards, they need replacing), listen for front end rattle over slow bumps, man, i could go on and on.... but by and large if you stick to 2002-2003 all the stuff mentioned in minor really.

I know there's a post in here with all of this.

 

The older XJRs of 98-00 are good options especially price wise but the two big issues are tensioners and blown head gaskets. Try for the lowest mileage if you
can. My R has 147000 km and it drives much nicer than my 8 at 254000 km. bushings shocks and bearings start to go after 200 km. good luck and ask lots of questions.

 

1. 98-99 and some early 2000 models had the Nikasil engines. Can be an issue, although if they've gone this long without blowing up, you're probably OK.
2. Again 98-early 2000 cars had the plastic secondary timing tensioners. My LATE 2000 USDM XJR had metal tensioners, and all 2001+ cars did. It's not a big deal or particularly expensive to change, but the plastic tensioners MUST be changed if not already completed.
3. The front end bushings in these cars always go, so if they've already been replaced recently that's a big plus.

Like everyone else said, almost all the little issues were sorted by 2002, so the 2002-2003s are the most desireable. There are numerous other small issues, but the tensioners are the big issue. If you go with a pre-2002, make sure they've already been done or plan to do it all but immediately.

 

My 2001 XJ8 build date March 2001 had the 2nd gen plastic tensioners, so I would check by pulling the valve covers,JJ

 

Thanks everyone for your advice and tips.

How do the XJRs compare drive and comfort-wise to the xj8s? Is the ride any harder or less comfy?

I'll check around and make a few enquiries. I'll let you know how I go :-)

You'll probably see me lurking around the forums.

Regards Troy.

 

I've got one of each. As mentioned before, there's a big difference in the miles on the cars, but overall the ride is very similar. The handling is sharper on the XJR, and a bit firmer due to the low profile 18 inch tires they come with, as opposed to the 16s on the XJ8.